SIX-HUNDRED STRONG: NATIONAL OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT FOR INVESTMENT IN SAFEGUARDING NATURAL RESOURCES

Last week, PCL joined more than 600 sportsmen, conservation, and outdoor recreation groups from across the country in calling on the U.S. Senate to pass comprehensive climate and energy legislation that not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions, but also dedicates a significant portion of funding towards helping our wildlife and natural resources that are currently threatened by global warming.

The threat of climate change to our natural world is unprecedented. Without new, dedicated revenue for buttressing wildlife and habitat, local resource managers will be unequipped to meet this challenge. To that end, we're asking the Senate to dedicate approximately 5% of the revenues generated from a climate bill towards safeguarding our natural resources from the negative impacts of climate change.

 Here in California, Senators Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer are being called on to champion this natural resource investment. The Senate is expected to begin deliberations on a climate bill in the next few weeks.

GOVERNOR SHOULD FOLLOW GOLDEN RULE - AFFIRM CALIFORNIANS' RIGHT TO CLEAN, SAFE WATER

When it comes to clean water, the Golden State looks pretty tarnished. At least 150,000 Californians shouldn't drink the water coming from their taps because of toxic contamination. In some parts of the state, schools stock up on bottled water for their students because the water is too polluted to drink.

Fortunately the Governor has a golden opportunity to help by signing AB 1242 (Ruskin), a potentially game-changing bill that directs state agencies to prioritize the needs of these polluted communities in their daily decision-making. AB 1242 would establish in California law the right of every Californian to have access to clean, safe water to meet their basic daily needs. The bill concept was hatched at the California Water Summit, which PCL co-facilitates with Environmental Justice Coalition for Water.

By signing AB 1242, the Governor could have an immediate positive impact on California. The Legislature is poised to make major decisions that will impact the allocation of water across the state. As this debate stands now, there's little mention of communities with polluted drinking water, despite the fact that Delta water is pumped right past contaminated communities on its way to Central Valley agribusinesses and Southern California cities.

If AB 1242 were law, the state would be able to prioritize basic human health needs when deciding how to allocate water resources, likely resulting in proposals that benefit polluted communities.

We simply can't allow the continued violation of basic human rights in California. The Governor must sign AB 1242 to demonstrate California's commitment to equality, putting the golden rule back in practice in the golden state.

TOOLS FOR THE TAKING: PCL FOUNDATION LAUNCHES NEW CEQA RESOURCES WEBSITE

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is our state's premier environmental law, helping protect the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the natural areas we prize. CEQA is also the our strongest tool for ensuring that development decisions are made right and local communities are given a chance to participate in the decision-making process.

That's why the Planning and Conservation League Foundation is excited to announce the launch of a new section of our website dedicated to community members and CEQA practitioners with useful CEQA resources. You'll find everything from the CEQA statute and case law to tips on effective public comments on proposed projects.

Access the new resources here: http://www.pclfoundation.org/publications/ceqaresources.html